INEC WARNS OF FINES AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ABUSIVE CAMPAIGN LANGUAGE

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned politicians and political parties against using offensive, extreme, or provocative language as the 2027 general election approaches. Violators may face heavy fines or imprisonment under the Electoral Act 2026.

Adedayo Oketola, INEC Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, explained in a Sunday phone interview that campaign speech crosses into illegal electoral intimidation when it moves beyond political debate or policy critique to include coercion, hate speech, or threats.

Oketola highlighted that under Nigerian law, rhetoric becomes punishable intimidation if it incites ethnic, religious, or regional hostility through abusive or defamatory language intended to provoke violence or target specific groups, referencing Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2026.

He quoted the law, stating that political campaigns or slogans must not contain abusive language likely to offend religious, ethnic, tribal, or sectional sentiments. The law also forbids language or insinuations designed to provoke violent reactions during campaigns.

According to Oketola, intimidation occurs when politicians threaten voters, candidates, or electoral officials with force or violence to coerce support or suppress opposition. This intimidation can take the form of threats of physical harm, economic punishment, social exclusion, or creating fear to discourage voter participation.

While INEC is primarily an election management body and not a security agency, Section 95 of the Electoral Act 2026 assigns security duties for political rallies to the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies.

Beyond coordinating security, INEC is empowered to monitor campaigns and enforce the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, issuing formal queries and sanctions within its administrative powers. Section 96(7) of the Electoral Act specifies penalties for offenders.

Oketola stated that candidates found guilty may face fines up to ₦5,000,000 or 12 months imprisonment, while political parties may be fined ₦10,000,000 for the first offence and ₦2,000,000 for subsequent violations.

He emphasized that protecting electoral integrity requires cooperation among institutions and stakeholders. Security agencies must prevent lawlessness during campaigns, the media should challenge inflammatory remarks, and traditional and religious leaders should encourage peaceful rhetoric.

This warning follows several controversial statements by political figures nationwide ahead of the 2027 elections. For example, Osun East Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi was questioned by police after a viral video showed him urging supporters to kill members of a rival party. The state governor condemned the remarks as a national security threat.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo faced backlash for telling residents who do not support the APC to relocate, a statement Amnesty International Nigeria called a “call to violence.”

In Borno State, the Youth and Sports Commissioner reportedly threatened physical punishment against those opposing the APC, while in Yobe State, APC Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka urged married women to leave husbands who prevent them from voting for the party, even offering to pay the “new bride price” for such women.

These incidents underscore the critical need for responsible political discourse as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.